A system for detecting boiling over and preventing said boiling over, communicable with a cooktop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking vessel lids do not effectively prevent boiling over, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage, as they either require constant supervision or rely on small apertures that are insufficient to manage pressure across all cooktop types, resulting in energy wastage.
Innovation Solution
A lid system equipped with sensors to detect content levels, a controller to adjust the lid's height and create apertures, and communication with the cooktop to manage heating power, allowing for automatic prevention of boiling over and energy efficiency across various cooktops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a lid is placed on the cooking vessel to keep heat inside, then energy efficiency is improved and boiling time is shortened, but foam accumulates and causes boiling over
Solution Approach 1:
The lid height is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The lid can be automatically raised when foam detection indicates a boiling over risk, and lowered when the risk subsides. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain heat efficiency during normal cooking while preventing boiling over when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of lid height based on detected foam levels. When foam rises above a threshold, the lid height parameter is increased to allow foam escape. When foam recedes, the lid height returns to its original position to maintain heat efficiency. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between heat retention and boiling over prevention.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a small aperture is provided in the lid to release pressure, then some foam can escape, but the aperture is insufficient to prevent boiling over
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on a fixed small aperture, the system uses a dynamic lid height adjustment mechanism. When foam detection triggers, the lid is raised significantly to create a large opening for foam escape, much larger than any fixed aperture could provide. This dynamic opening ensures reliable boiling over prevention while maintaining heat efficiency during normal operation.
3Reliability
If constant supervision is maintained to detect boiling over, then boiling over can be detected in time, but convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-monitoring using foam detection sensors that automatically detect foam accumulation and trigger lid height adjustment without human intervention. The system also provides notifications to the user, eliminating the need for constant manual supervision while maintaining high reliability in detecting boiling over conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback through foam detection sensors that monitor the cooking process in real-time. When foam reaches a critical level, the system provides feedback by raising the lid and notifying the user. This automated feedback loop ensures reliable detection while maintaining convenience, as the system handles the monitoring and response automatically.
4Strength
If the cooktop operates at previous power when the vessel is prevented from transferring heat, then energy is wasted, but the vessel is protected from overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by communicating with the cooktop to adjust heating power based on real-time foam detection. When foam accumulation indicates a boiling over risk, the system automatically reduces cooktop power to prevent overheating. When the risk subsides, power is restored to previous levels. This feedback-based power adjustment prevents energy wastage while maintaining protection from overheating.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively prevents boiling over by dynamically adjusting the lid's height and heat exchange, reducing the risk of spills and energy wastage, while maintaining compatibility with all types of cooktops.
Implementation Method 1
receive information on an initial level of the vessel's content and current level of the vessel's content
Implementation Method 2
instruct, by means of a controller (203), a height actuator (207) of the lid (102) to extend said lid (102) vertically
Implementation Method 3
instruct, by means of a controller (203), an aperture actuator (206) to create an aperture in the lid's (102) top in order to facilitate exchange of heat
Implementation Method 4
communicate (201) with said cooktop (107) in order to decrease power generation on said heating section (135)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
A system for detecting a possibility of boiling over and preventing said boiling over comprising a vessel (101) having a vessel's lid (102), the lid (102) being characterised in that it is configured to: receive information on an initial level of the vessel's content and current level of the vessel's content; and establish on which heating section (135) of a particular cooktop (107) the vessel (101) and the lid (102) are positioned; and based on a difference between the initial level and the current level as well as the time of the creation of said difference: the lid (102) is configured to instruct a height actuator (207) of the lid (102) to extend said lid (102) vertically, in order to extend height of said vessel (101), and the lid (102) is configured to instruct an aperture actuator (206) to create an aperture in the lid's top in order to facilitate exchange of heat; the lid (102) is configured to communicate with said cooktop (107) in order to decrease power generation on said heating section (135).